Welcome to HCS – Big Bad Wolf –
To begin with, let’s clarify that the Big Bad Wolf was a lowly hairdryer, and the visit to HCS involved a little bit of science and lots of relationship building.
The first grade has been trying out some STEM activities this fall. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Many projects include solving a problem such as creating the tallest structure or designing the strongest structure from limited materials. The Big Bad Wolf Project combined STEM thinking with community building between the 1st and 8th graders. (Credit must be given to Mrs. Gabrielse from Allendale Christian for the original idea.)
The 1st grade teachers “set up” their students by reading a version of The Three Little Pigs, discussing wind resistant structures in nature, and thinking about how to work with an 8th grade buddy. The 8th grade teachers discussed how to be good role models by helping in construction without taking over the project themselves.
On the Tuesday morning, some pretty excited 1st grade engineers welcomed the 8th graders. Students designed and built structures to protect the poor Little Pig from the Big Bad Wolf’s powerful huffing and puffing. Many structures were tested, some survived and some needed a bit of revising.
The big take away… watching nearly two hundred big kids and little kids sharing Jesus with each other. I wish every parent could have been a fly on the wall in those classrooms, just to hear the conversations between the budding engineers. God was in those places!
I am blessed to work with teachers who are willing to try new things like The Big Bad Wolf Project. These are the people who help create a “Community of Believers” at Hudsonville Christian School!
Serving Christ Together,
Sue Spotts, Welcome to HCS – Big Bad Wolf –Curriculum Director
